A minute later a wild cry rang out from ahead. The cry was repeated twice, and then all became as silent as the grave.
"He must have gone down into the swamp," exclaimed Dick.
"Yes, and more than likely he is drowning to death," added John Laning.
CHAPTER XX
DICK AND DORA
The boys were almost afraid to penetrate further into the woods, for they found the ground growing wet and spongy under their feet. All halted and gathered around Mr. Laning.
"Do you think he has really been drowned?" asked Sam, with a slight shiver.
"It may be," was the farmer's reply. "I know of one man who was drowned here some years ago, and every year cattle are lost here. The bottom of the swamp is very sticky, and once a person gets in he sinks down and under."
"What shall we do?" questioned Tom.